Santiago -
After 16 years of captivity in Chile's National Zoo, Taco the polar bear died. During his confinement the animal endured summer temperatures that often reached 36 C in Santiago, the Chilean capital. Years of protests did not achieve Taco's freedom.

Polar bears don't suffer any long-term harm when they are shot with tranquilizer darts, briefly handled, and fitted with radio collars, even if the bear is captured up to 10 times, according to a new study conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey.

For years the world has been fascinated with tales of the mysterious, elusive creature we know as the Yeti, or abominable snowman. But DNA from purported samples of the creature may shed light on its true origins, bringing it out of the realm of fantasy.

Churchill -
A rare video has surfaced that has captured a mother polar bear nursing her cubs. Reportedly, this is a extraordinary event to capture live and in the wild. The footage was filmed on the shores of Canada's Hudson Bay.

San Diego -
With Hurricane Sandy and the election dominating a lot of the media coverage, people sometimes need a distraction, and what better way to put a smile on our face than seeing adorable animals celebrate the holidays.

Rotterdam -
Visitors at the Rotterdam Zoo in The Netherlands were given a surprise as they gazed upon a "toddler" polar bear when the bear picked up a rock and threw it at the glass enclosure. The whole incident was caught on video.

Washington -
America's craving for energy is an increasing challenge in protecting the world's wildlife, our "irreplaceable natural heritage," with much of the blame given to the fossil fuel industry, recipients of massive government handouts, a new report shows.

Berlin -
Knut, the polar bear born in the Berlin Zoo in December 2006, is having a tough time now after enjoying several years as a beloved furry celebrity. The female bears he now shares a home with do not find him appealing.

Tundra Trek is the newest addition to the Toronto Zoo. Although the exhibit is very large, it displays only six species, but it does so in a way that takes into account animal welfare as well as the desires and educational needs of a demanding public.

Scientists studying polar bear growth have revealed that the bears have shrunk in size over the last century. The scientists compared polar bear skulls from the early 20th century to those from the late 20th century.

The sweet man who was known for hand-feeding the Berlin born polar bear cub, Knut, died in his Berlin apartment earlier this week from a heart attack. Thomas Doerflein has taken care of Knut since his mother abandoned him in 2006.